Benson and Hedges Preview
Can't wait for the first Tournament in the UK? Here is a sneak preview
The Benson and Hedges International Open celebrates its 30th year in style as it moves in May to next year's Ryder Cup course, The Brabazon at The Belfry.
The year 2000 tournament not only marks the first event of this season's European Tour to be played in Britain but also rings in more changes with prize money boosted by £200,000 to £1 million.
Europe's top golfers will be testing their skills on the recently renovated Brabazon Course at The Belfry chasing a first prize of more than £166,660.
Early entrants include defending champion and leading European Money winner, Colin Montgomerie, along with former champions, Bernhard Langer, Seve Ballesteros, Darren Clarke, José Maria Olazábal and Sam Torrance.
The captain of Europe's 2001 Ryder Cup team will not only be battling the new course, but will also be keeping an eye out for some good performances from his opponents in preparation for the challenge against the USA next year.
The tournament moves to The Belfry this year after four years at The Oxfordshire Golf Club. Since the Ryder Cup was last played there in 1993, there has been a major investment in excess of £40 million at The Belfry by De Vere Hotels. This has included significant changes and £3.5 million spent on The Brabazon course alone.
Defending Benson and Hedges champion, Colin Montgomerie, said:
"I enjoyed the course in 1993 when I last played it in the Ryder Cup. We are all aware that the Brabazon Course has been remodelled since then and, having visited the site recently, I can assure everyone that the test of golf has been strengthened to make it a much tougher examination."
The 2000 Benson and Hedges International Open runs from May 11th-14th and will be preceded by the traditional Celebrity Pro-Am on Wednesday May 10th, featuring stars from show business and sport who will be teeing off with leading players from the European Tour.
Tickets are available from the Benson and Hedges Ticket Hotline number on 01235 868 483. Discount prices are valid on all advance bookings before May 1st.